Digital Communications Specialist - University Communications and Marketing

Job Summary

Based at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California, the Digital Communications Specialist is the lead storyteller for Cal Poly Maritime Academy — identifying, shaping and telling the stories that define Cal Poly Maritime Academy during a pivotal period of transition and growth.

A skilled writer and editor with sharp editorial instincts, the Digital Communications Specialist brings the Cal Poly Maritime Academy experience to life across websites, social media, e-newsletters and universitywide channels — capturing what happens in classrooms, in laboratories and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear, and connecting those stories to audiences that matter: prospective students, alumni, industry partners and the broader Cal Poly community.

This position is located in Vallejo, California, at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

Department Summary

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) serves as the ambassadors, stewards and protectors of Cal Poly's reputation and brand. Through strategic communications, storytelling and digital engagement, UCM advances the university's visibility and helps tell the story of what sets Cal Poly apart, including the power of its hands-on, Learn by Doing philosophy and the achievements of its students, faculty, staff and alumni across California and beyond.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and execute compelling stories that support organizational priorities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong editorial judgment and content planning skills, including the ability to shape narratives, prioritize content opportunities, maintain a consistent voice and align communications with strategic objectives.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style and digital content best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, gather information from diverse sources, synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, compelling, audience-centered communications.
• Experience developing, managing and executing editorial content across multiple digital channels, including websites, social media platforms, e-newsletters and other online communications.

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,940 - $81,984 per year

Classification Range: $62,136 - $90,516 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the university anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world